My Charming Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 2)

by Jackie Castle

  The last question that ran through Jeremy’s mind before he finally drifted off to sleep was if Duncan was praying for him, did that mean God was paying attention to what he was doing now? Granny Grims, as they called their paternal grandmother, would always tell them that she was praying for them.

  “When I pray about you,” she would say in that rough voice of hers, “it brings the Lord’s attention to you, my dears. And if He is paying attention, then you can rest assured that you’ll never be alone. Even when everyone else leaves you behind.”

  Jeremy remembered her saying that while Mother had been sick and in bed for a week during that spell. He never knew exactly what had caused her sickness, but Granny Grims must have known their mother would soon leave them. Despite her words, Jeremy had been left feeling all alone in this world.

  Was God paying attention? Jeremy wondered.

  * * * *

  Melody knew she was being rude avoiding Jeremy, but she also knew why he was there. Aunt Evelina had called and said she was sending one last offer to her. “Take the deal, my dear, and spare yourself from losing everything.”

  Tears welled up in Melody’s eyes at the thought she might lose all this. She had one last hope. Something Jeremy had said while she’d been in New York. Or rather, someone he’d mentioned. It had taken Melody three days to finally locate the right number. Even as she tapped the number into her cell, she held her breath, hoping for the best as she hit the call button.

  “Good morning,” answered the cheerful voice. “Thank you for calling Marvelous Maddie’s Bakery. I’m sorry to have missed your call, but please leave a message and a number so I can call you right back. And I promise to return your call as soon as I’m able. Have a marvelous day.”

  Melody swallowed hard, waiting for the beep that came after a few seconds. She spoke quickly, explaining who she was and hoping Auntie Mad would remember her. “I’d like to invite you to come to visit, Aunt Maddie. I’ll be honest, there’s a matter of great importance I need to speak to you about. It concerns my daddy’s ski resort. You know, Sky High? I’m afraid—”

  “Melody? Is this my little Melly?”

  “Aunt Maddie?” Melody choked, relieved to hear her aunt’s real voice. “Is it really you?”

  “Yes, honey. I apologize, I hate sales calls and those politicians drive me nuts. I’m not sure how to get on the don’t call list, so I screen my messages when it’s just me at the bakery. How are you? Did I hear correctly that you wished to speak to me about something?”

  “Yes.” Melody didn’t waste time beating around the bush and told her aunt everything that was going on. “I’m not sure what to do, Auntie. Evelina is determined to get—”

  “I’ll book the next flight, dear. Is my old cabin still available? I haven’t visited in a long while, so I won’t blame you if you’ve rented it to someone else.”

  “No! It’s vacant. Not many people want to be so deep in the woods like you did. I’ll have someone go out there and clean it up for you.”

  “Fabulous. Not sure how much help I’ll be, dear-heart. But I’ve been thinking of taking a vacation, so here’s my chance to get away for a while. That old Evilina, she never could be happy with what she was blessed with. Me? I was grateful that your father and mother even considered leaving me a little something after their passing, God rest their souls. They were generous and kind.”

  “Thank you, Auntie. At this point, I’ll take whatever help I can get. Even if it’s nothing more than moral support.”

  When she hung up, Melody didn’t feel any better. But at least she wasn’t feeling so alone in this. Her dear workers were standing beside her, but she couldn’t let them know yet how dire her situation was. They’d offer everything they had to help. Well, most of them would. She wasn’t sure about George or Zack. Still, it didn’t matter. She’d not take them down with her sinking ship.

  As she walked outside into the bright, sunny day, her mind was so occupied with working out some kind of solution…any solution, that she didn’t realize someone was walking right beside her until he lightly grabbed her elbow and pulled her out of the way of a passing snowmobiler.

  “Are you not even watching where you’re going?” Jeremy asked, his dazzling blue eyes wide with…what? Concern? Curiosity? Or something else? She could get lost in those eyes. That was another reason she’d been avoiding him.

  He chuckled and shook his head. “You didn’t even realize I’ve been walking beside you since you stepped out onto the boardwalk, did you?”

  She shook her head. “I just got off the phone with Aunt Madeline. Remember asking about her a while ago? I found her number and asked her to come for a visit.”

  Jeremy folded his arms over his broad chest. “Is she coming?”

  He was wearing a thick sweater and jeans instead of his usual business attire. She liked the change. For a moment, he was her old friend again, until she remembered he was one of the wolves circling in for the kill.

  “Yes.” Melody started walking again. “Listen, I know you’re here to talk me into signing that contract—”

  “That’s what brought me here,” he interrupted. “But that’s not why I’m staying.”

  “No? Why are you staying if I’m such a lost cause?” She also folded her arms over her chest. “I…I can’t believe you actually called Evelina! You knew—”

  “I didn’t call her. And, I’m sorry, Mel.” He shook his head. “I didn’t know how Evelina was. I didn’t remember until it was too late.”

  He took her hand in his, brows furrowed. He apologized and his tone was so sincere, Melody was completely disarmed. Why’d he have to be so charming? And handsome?

  “You’re not a lost cause, Mel,” he continued. “However, you did promise to personally take me skiing whenever I wanted to go. Did you not?”

  Her shoulders drooped. “I did.”

  Uh oh.

  His smile widened. “I’m ready.”

  An hour later they were riding a lift up to one of the higher peaks. If Jeremy Grimwood wanted to ski, oh boy, she’d take him skiing. One trip down Devil’s Peak would send him back home, she was sure. If only her heart wouldn’t feel like a used clump of coal over that thought.

  She honestly wanted him to stay. Having him near was somewhat comforting. At least it was until she remembered that he still had this tent pitched in the enemy’s camp.

  The cold wind hit her cheeks. The chair rose higher and higher up the steep slope. “Aunt Maddie doesn’t think Evelina has any bite to her bark. Maddie thinks she is just trying to intimidate me so I’ll give in and sign over the resort to her without a fight.”

  Jeremy seemed to consider her accusation before he finally shook his head. “Evelina has the funds to back up her threats. She can get you out of debt with the signing of her name, Mel.”

  Right. Out of debt. And out of her land and business, as well.

  They had reached the drop-off. Melody led him toward the start. Jeremy’s eyes widened at the incline of the slope and his face paled a couple of shades, despite the cold making their cheeks red. She pulled her scarf up around her nose and adjusted her goggles. “I’m not signing. She’s not interested in helping me, Jere. You’re wasting your time hanging out here if you think that you’ll talk me into reconsidering. I’m not and never will!”

  Not bothering to listen to his response, she hopped off the ledge and zoomed down the lane. Soon, he was beside her but keeping a safe distance between them. Well, he was better at this then she thought. Melody was sure he’d end up tumbling his way down. That first jump was a doozie.

  She ducked to gain more speed and was soon going a little too fast. The trees lining the slope zoomed past in a blur. Snow flew out from behind her. She needed to slow down. Tears were starting to blind her vision. She couldn’t wipe her eyes because of her goggles.

  Melody blinked to clear her vision and noticed the ground right before her titled in an odd way. Then she realized that she’d drifted too close to the tr
ee-line. When she tried to straighten and move away, her skis hit an obstacle and sent her flying into the air.

  Spiraling out of control, Melody flipped over and landed on her back after sliding downhill several feet. A wave of snow showered her as Jeremy slid up beside her. He kicked off his skis and crawled to her side.

  “Are you okay, hon? Mel?” He patted her cheek and loosened the strap on her helmet. His was already off and laying beside him. He ripped off his goggles, as well. “Are you hurt anywhere?” He didn’t wait for an answer as his hands ran over her arms, then her legs to check for breaks.

  “I’m fine. I know how to land.”

  Jeremy shook his head. “Man lady, you were flying like a bullet. What were you thinking?”

  The truth of the matter was she hadn’t been thinking properly at all. If she had, she wouldn’t be on her back at the moment.

  “I’m fine.” She tried to sit up, but her head swam and she sank back into the snow. It was from the jarring tumble, she was sure. “Just give me a minute.”

  He yanked off his gloves and cupped her face with his warm hands. “Should I call for help? I brought my phone. Just in case.” The concern and worry in his voice touched her.

  “No,” she reached up at touched his cheek. “I’m okay, I swear. I shouldn’t have been going so fast.”

  He settled down beside her. “For a moment, I was afraid you were trying to ditch me up here. Except, that isn’t like you.” He tugged at her scarf absently. “I’m so sorry you’re going through all this. When I said that I wanted to help, I meant it, Mel. And I still do. If you don’t want to sell…I support that.”

  Her brows furrowed as she stared up at his sincere face. “Really? I mean, it’s going to cost you, isn’t it? If this deal doesn’t go through?” She pushed herself up until she was able to sit face to face with him. “Your partner Mike said you’d make a good commission off this deal. Maybe enough to help you meet some kind of conditions to take over the firm. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what he was going on about.”

  Jeremy leaned in closer. “The only cost I’m worried about is losing your friendship. You mean a lot to me.” He quickly looked away.

  Melody reached up and turned his face back towards hers. “I do?” She needed to see the sincerity in his eyes and it was there, along with something more that sent her heart racing.

  He nodded.

  She nodded back. “You mean a lot to me, too. I hate that I’ve caused you trouble at your firm. I never should have let you get involved.”

  “You didn’t let me, I kind of pushed my way in. And I have no regrets, sweet Melody. I really am for you, not against you.”

  Melody stared hard at him. “I can’t tell you how good that is to hear. I’ve been feeling so alone in this. That’s why I called Aunt Maddie this morning.”

  He squeezed her hand. “You’re not alone, Melody. If you’ll give me a chance to explain, I have a couple of ideas. But only if you’re willing to hear them. Whatever you decide, I’ll back you one-hundred percent.”

  Melody’s chest filled with so much warmth, she feared that if she didn’t get up and moving soon, she’d melt all the snow clinging to this side of the mountain. “Thank you, that means everything to me.”

  To her surprise, Jeremy slightly leaned in so their faces were mere inches apart. His gaze traveled from her eyes to her lips, then back up to her eyes. “I mean it.” He started to lean in closer and she was sure he was going to kiss her.

  And she wanted him to! Her hand grasped onto his scarf, pulling him closer. Their lips lightly brushed each other when someone said, “Is this your ski? I spotted it about ten feet up from here.”

  Melody jerked back. What was she thinking?

  Jeremy blinked as if having the same thought. He quickly stood. The incline made it hard to stay in one place. “That looks like your ski, is it?”

  Melody noticed she only had one still attached to her foot. She nodded. “Thank you for bringing it down. I would have had a hard time climbing back up for it.”

  The man handed it to Jeremy. “No problem. Are you folks okay? Do you need me to call for help?”

  She shook her head. “I’m okay. Really.”

  “Good. Listen, there’s a group getting ready to head down. Be careful about staying here too long. I almost went right past you before I spotted his dark coat and realized he wasn’t a rock or tree trunk. Hate for one of them to ski right into you.”

  Melody was up, heeding his warning and knowing skiers would fly down this sharp incline. “We’ll be on our way. Jere, you need to get your skis back on quick.”

  Did Jeremy really mean what he said? That he was for her and not against her? Melody hoped so. Not only was her resort on the line, but so was her heart.

  Chapter Nine

  When Jeremy came down to grab breakfast in the cafe, he ran into a commotion at the front desk of the lodge. A short woman with huge round sunglasses stood with several cases surrounding her booted feet. She wore a long faux fur coat over a bright purple jogging suit. A bright yellow scarf held her wild red hair in place.

  Harriet, the receptionist was jumping up and down and making a terrible screech of excitement. “Auntie Maddie,” she shouted. “It’s been way too long. Oh, I’m so happy, happy, happy to see you!” Harriet raced around the desk and was wrapped in the woman’s open arms.

  “Well, my happy Harriet,” Auntie Mad exclaimed, hugging the receptionist back. “I’m ecstatic that you’re still here. And it has been too long. Where is my dumpling niece? Is she here? I ended up catching an earlier flight than I anticipated. I was so excited to get here. I hope I packed everything.”

  Jeremy remembered Auntie Mad, as they all fondly called her. “I certainly hope so,” he said catching her attention. “You packed enough to stay for six months.”

  For a moment, Auntie Mad stared at him in confusion before recognition hit and her mouth dropped open. “Is that…? A Grimwood for sure from those brilliant blue eyes.” She narrowed her gaze and came closer, all the while shaking her finger toward him. “Too young to be the oldest. His name was…” She wrinkled her nose. “Oh my, but it’s been ages. I’m not sure which one you are, but Lord have mercy, you grew up to be a looker. Are your brothers as handsome as you, darlin’?”

  Jeremy laughed and introduced himself. “I believe I’m the best looking if you’re going to ask me. Melody was so happy that you agreed to come, Auntie Mad. I’m pleased to see you again, as well.”

  “Yes, Jeremy, now I remember. You were always trailing behind my Melly. So was your older brother Duncan. See? It’s coming back now. The oldest is Colton and there was a girl in there somewhere. Suzy or—”

  “That’s right. Suzette. She’s a couple of years older than me.” He took her plump, warm hands in his and then bent down to kiss her cheek.

  “How are your parents, sweetie-pie? Are they here visiting, too?” She asked.

  Jeremy shook his head. “They’ve both passed away. Mother nearly ten years ago. Father nearly two years come this spring.”

  “Oh dear, poor thing. I’m so sorry, honey. So very sorry. I don’t keep up with the news much, I’m sure it was announced somewhere.” She turned back to the receptionist. “I’ll be needing help with my bags. You got anyone who’s available to lug them up to my cabin?”

  “I’ll help,” Jeremy offered. He was sure Melody would be along shortly.

  Harriet set down the old-fashioned phone they still used in the main lodge. “I just called George. He’s on the way. Don’t listen to his griping, he means well.”

  Auntie Mad patted her round cheeks. “My, my, is that old goat still kicking? Well, some things just never change, do they?” She lifted her shoulder bag along with a tote that was stuffed with yarn and knitting needles. Jeremy took two of the larger bags and left the smaller ones for George, or Mr. Grump as he liked calling the old codger.

  Auntie Mad led the way as if she knew the resort like the back of her hand. Once they were outside
and following along the boardwalk toward the cabins, she slowed her steps until he was walking beside her. “Melly told me you’ve been trying to help her, bless your soul. Don’t care what people might say about your family, I’ve always known you boys were good at heart.”

  Jeremy cringed. “I’m afraid I’ve only made things worse. I had no idea that contacting Evelina Ash would be like waking a sleeping bear. Don’t bless me yet. So far, I’ve only brought on more trouble than help. I’m honestly not sure how to help her. She refuses to accept any handouts. And my investment firm will not fund ski resorts. My uncle, who is currently running the firm, thinks they are much too risky.”

  “Life is a risk, sweetheart. That’s a fact. You don’t even have to get out of bed to take that risk, you know. The roof might cave in, or a sinkhole appears right beneath you. But that’s how life rolls. You do the best you can with what you have.” They had reached the end of the walkway. From there, they would need to follow a winding path that went upward through the woods. “Oh dear, I forgot how far away my old cabin was.” She looked down at her short legs. “I used to climb that path like it was nothing, but the years have added several pounds and a host of creaky joints. Don’t suppose there might have a room in the main lodge available, would she?”

  Jeremy patted her shoulder. “Let’s go see. If not, you can have my room and I’ll move my stuff to your cabin. I don’t mind the walk.”

  Auntie Mad sighed with relief. “You are such a sugar dumpling.”

  Sugar wasn’t the term Jeremy would have used for himself, but he left his thoughts unsaid.

  * * * *

  “Now, what in the world would I do with a ski resort, darlin’?” Aunt Maddie sat across from Melody in the tavern that had closed up an hour ago. The banging of pots from the kitchen reminded Melody to not speak too loudly. Barty was still in the back closing up for the night.

  Melody pressed a finger to her mouth as he came into the main room, wiping his hands on a towel. “Anything you need Miss Melody before I head home?”